It can be difficult to find books covering the different changes that happen in every day life that are tougher to explain to a kid. These books are designed to help families start those conversations about change with kids. Independent readers can also explore these titles on their own, which will help your kids know that they aren’t alone in navigating these changes.
If you would like other books like this, use the Personalized Book Picks form or Suggest a Title if you have a specific title in mind that we do not have in our collection.
Missing daddy
Author(s):
Kaba, Mariame
Royal, Bria,
Description:
"A little girl who misses her father because he's away in prison shares how his absence affects different parts of her life. Her greatest excitement is the days when she gets to visit her beloved father. With gorgeous illustrations, this book depicts a little girl's love for her father from whom she is separated because of incarceration." -- Provided by publisher
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Kab
Maddi's fridge
Author(s):
Description:
Maddi's fridge is almost empty, while Sophia's fridge is full of food. How can Sophia help her friend Maddi without breaking her promise not to tell anyone?
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Bra
A map for Falasteen : a Palestinian child's search for home
Author(s):
Odeh, Maysa
Betawi, Aliaa,
Description:
At school, Falasteen and her classmates are tasked with finding their families' home countries on a map, but no matter how hard she looks, Falasteen can't find Palestine. Can a place exist if it's not on a map? Confused, Falasteen turns to her family for answers. Her grandfather, grandmother, and Mama encourage her to see their homeland from a different perspective, and each of their stories helps her understand her people's history and her own place in the world. Filled with beautiful, inspiring illustrations and thoughtful back matter that outlines key terms and historical moments, this is a story of family, resilience and home always being where the heart is.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Ode
I said no!
Author(s):
King, Zack
King, Kimberly
Description:
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J 362.76 Kin
See you soon
Author(s):
Kaba, Mariame
Diaz, Bianca,
Description:
"A poignant, beautifully illustrated story of a little girl's worries when her Mama goes to jail, and the love that bridges the distance between them"--Amazon.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Kab
And they walk on
Author(s):
Maillard, Kevin Noble
López, Rafael,
Description:
A young boy reflects on the enduring presence of a loved one who has "walked on," finding comfort in memories, stories, and the love that lives on in his heart.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Mai
A place inside of me : a poem to heal the heart
Author(s):
Elliott, Zetta
Denmon, Noa,
Description:
Illustrations and easy-to-read text express a child's awareness of being filled with deep emotions, from joy to sorrow and anger to compassion, but above all, love.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Ell
Charlotte and the quiet place
Author(s):
Sosin, Deborah
Woolley, Sara,
Description:
"Sometimes children need a break from our noisy, overstimulating world. Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence"--Provided by publisher.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Sos
From my head to my toes
Author(s):
Raisman, Aly, 1994-
Jackson, Bea,
Description:
"My body is my own. My body is just right for me, From my head to my toes. From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly's inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age."--Amazon
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Rai
When you find a hope
Author(s):
Millington, Allie
Lambelet, Anne,
Description:
"A curious girl discovers the beauty of a shattered hope born anew in this tale about a tree full of hopes and the power of perseverance"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Mil
Keep your head up
Author(s):
King Neil, Aliya, 1973-
Palmer, Charly,
Description:
D wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, but discovers after a long day at school that while not every day will be a good day, the bad ones will pass.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Kin
Place hand here
Author(s):
Description:
A young boy passes a painting of a hand on a wall in his neighborhood and watches others placing their own hands against it. The act means something different for each of them: Ms. Iris tells him it is a link to her home country; for Devin, it connects him to his older sister, who just left for college; for Savannah, it reminds her of her grandmother who passed away. The boy thinks of those who are on the other side of the mural, of loved ones lost or lonely or far away, and of his own mother, who is currently incarcerated. While he waits for her to come home, the hand is there to connect them to each other and remind them that they are not alone.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Yam
Waiting for Max : a NICU story
Author(s):
Rosen, Emily
Diana, Ester,
Description:
Louise can't wait to meet her new little brother, Max! But he arrives earlier than expected and must stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until he's strong enough to come home. Waiting is hard. Really hard. So Louise uses her BIG imagination to dream up creative plans to bring Max home.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Ros
My life with anxiety
Author(s):
Schuh, Mari C., 1975-
Sebastian, Ana,
Description:
"Meet Skyler! She likes cheerleading and crafts. She also has anxiety. Skyler is real and so are her experiences. Learn about her life in this illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book for elementary students. Kids are naturally curious about differences. Skyler sheds light on her life, with the help of experienced children's author Mari Schuh. Skyler is not defined by her disorder, but she does some things differently than neurotypical people. Let Skyler tell you a little about her life. Colorful, realistic illustrations and a dyslexic-friendly font promote accessibility. Includes tips for kids about interacting with someone who has anxiety"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J 155.4 Sch
I am a peaceful goldfish
Author(s):
Chaim, Shoshana
Smith, Lori Joy,
Description:
"I Am a Peaceful Goldfish teaches kids and families about playful breathing techniques that we can use to overcome our anxiety and feel calm and grounded. When we are overcome with emotions, our breath--and a bit of imagination--can bring us back to a peaceful place. In this simple story, two children learn how to settle their feelings with imaginative breathing techniques, pretending they are elephants, flowers, even dragons! This charming book teaches even the youngest readers fun ways to be mindful, relieve anxiety, and regain control over their bodies and actions--an essential and easy-to-learn life skill" --
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Cha
That's my truck! : a good inside story about hitting
Author(s):
Kennedy, Becky (Psychologist)
Stone, Joanie,
Description:
When Charlie walks into the playroom, his little sister, Pia, is playing with his truck... not just any truck, his favorite truck. Charlie's feelings completely overwhelm him, taking over his whole body, and before he knows it, he hits his sister hard. This engaging story not only offers parents valuable insights and strategies to address a problem behavior like hitting, but also helps children separate their behavior from identity and cope with big feelings.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Ken
If you're angry and you know it!
Author(s):
Kaiser, Cecily
Pillo, Cary,
Description:
In school, children learn to manage their anger by singing a song based on: If you're happy and you know it.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
Ei Kai
Will Mia play it safe? : a book about trying new things
Author(s):
Brown-Wood, JaNay
Tu, Lorian,
Description:
"Basketball star Mia is amazing when it comes to shooting hoops and dribbling. But she doesn't always want to try new things. What if she's not as good as she is at basketball? When all her friends in the Sunshine Squad try magic tricks with Lucas, drawing comics with Oliver, and playing pretend with Sophie, Mia passes. But what happens when someone new joins the squad?"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Bro
When sadness is at your door
Author(s):
Description:
This simple yet important book portrays sadness as an unwelcome guest but one that can be managed.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Ela
When Aidan became a brother
Author(s):
Lukoff, Kyle
Juanita, Kaylani,
Description:
"Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Luk
Evelyn Del Rey is moving away
Author(s):
Medina, Meg
Sánchez, Sonia,
Description:
Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today--not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina's beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez's colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls' urban neighborhood.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Med
When things aren't going right, go left
Author(s):
Colagiovanni, Marc
Reynolds, Peter H.
Description:
"Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path."--Publisher marketing
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E Col
Me and my fear
Author(s):
Description:
When a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E San
The journey
Author(s):
Description:
"What is it like to have to leave everything behind and travel many miles to somewhere unfamiliar and strange? A mother and her two children set out on such a journey; one filled with fear of the unknown, but also great hope. Based on her interactions with people forced to seek a new home, and told from the perspective of a young child, Francesca Sanna has created a beautiful and sensitive book that is full of significance for our time."-- Provided by publisher.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
E San
